Unveiling a Newly Refurbished Gymnasium | News | Friends Select School

Focused on enriching both athletic and academic experiences, the gym project added new bleachers, score-boards, and shot clocks mounted above adjustable baskets, which were designed to accommodate younger students. Freshly repainted walls, upgraded lighting, and a state-of-the-art sound system make the gym versatile for athletic programming as well as assemblies and school dances. Enhanced safety features ensure the protection of athletes, while the addition of glass doors at the entrance creates a welcoming and visually striking entryway. The project was overseen by Anchor Management Group, a trusted partner in the school’s recent campus transformations in the upper school STEAM Building and Parkway Building.

The gym update represents a milestone for the school’s athletic program, providing students with a modern facility designed to foster achievement and holistic development. “It’s an amazing transformation in the gym. I love seeing 
the pride our athletes and coaches have in our new space,” said athletic director Bill Klose P’21, ’25. “The updates support the sustained success we seek for our program. 
And when families see that we invest in athletics and our facilities, it can only help retention and recruitment of both students and coaches.”

The space also serves as a multipurpose facility where play, wellness, and learning come together to support student growth. Students of all ages use the space as 
part of their physical education curriculum. Friends Select understands that physical activity and wellness are vital parts of education, extending well beyond the classroom, as studies consistently show that physical activity benefits not only health but also academic performance, social skills, and emotional resilience. In alignment with the school’s mission to educate students for “the whole of life,” the 
gym update underscores the importance of a balanced education that includes not only intellectual but also physical development.
    
Danielle Norris, a physical education teacher and department co-chair, sees firsthand how the upgrades to the gym benefit even the school’s youngest students. “The improvements to athletic facilities benefit more than just 
the athletes. They make our facilities a more enjoyable, comfortable, and functional space for students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” she said. “They also help attract new families to Friends Select. As our school continues to grow, it’s important that our facilities keep up with the needs of our community. The newly renovated gym reflects that commitment to providing the best possible environment for our students.”